U.S. Mayors' Study Ranks North Texas Fourth For Future Job Growth

A study released by the U.S. Conference of Mayors predicts double-digit job growth over the next five years.

The study looked at 15 metro areas. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington was number four in projected job growth: 12.8 percent over the next five years, with big gains in state and local government payrolls.

It also picks the top job areas:  professional and business services followed by education, health services, and construction.

At the organization's meeting in Dallas, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said too many Americans aren’t qualified for the jobs that will be available.  He says the mayors want to get involved.

“We as mayors can advocate at the district level, bring our district superintendents together and start talking about what we need to do to help match up the opportunities,” Johnson said.

“Work-based learning, this is a tremendous opportunity to make sure that our kids are getting hands-on experience, especially when it comes to internships and job shadowing. The more relevant learning is for our young people, the more they come to school and the more they excel.”

The mayors called on Congress to increase funding for education and job training.